Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 2.djvu/222

 20^ ANCIENT RELIGION OF THE sideling them only as structures dedicated to a system of superstition. Of some of the ornaments of the temples a more particular account is requisite, for, from an observation of them may be drawn some of the strongest presumptions for determining the religion to which the temples were dedicated. The first which I shall mention is a monstrous face, without a lower jaw to be seen sculptured on all the most conspicuous parts of the buildings, as at all pro- jecting angles, and on the keystones of arches. This, on the authority of the ambassadors of one of the princes of Bali, I conclude to be a representation of Siwa. The prevalence of vegetable decorations among the sculptures of the temples is remarkable. Delineations of animals are much less frequent. The most usual are the lion, the elephant, and the deer ; the cow, singular enough to say, is never seen. In general, it may be said, that both the plants and animals delineated are strangers to the island. May the prevalence of vegetable deco- rations be attributed to the doctrines of Buddha, which recommend vegetables for food, and prqfesS' ing abhorrence for the shedding of blood, forbid the use of an animal diet ? The most remarkable and interesting portion of the sculpturesof the temples of the ^rst and secoifd class are the historic groups so often deli- neated. I shall take my account of these from the